Joe Louis Ward, Sr

Joe Louis Ward was born March 27, 1949 to Beulah Mae and Mitchell Ward in Wharton, Texas. He Graduated from LaGrange High School class of 1969, and went on to attend Wharton Junior College. Later he became a decorated sergeant in the Armed Services, and received a bronze star. Following his tenure in the military, Joe Louis worked as a NC Engineer with Wyman Gordan where he retired from in 2015 after 40 years of service. At a young age, Joe accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior while attending Gayhill Baptist Church. He later became a long standing member of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor I.V. Alfred, Jr. Most recently he became a member of Greater Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dale Perry. He served with the male chorus and Sunday school department; he was a faithful member until his health no longer permitted him to attend. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed car shows, drag racing, mechanics, softball, dominoes, cards, dancing, and cooking. He loved entertaining his close family and friends. Joe Louis was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather. Joe is proceeded in death by his grandparents: “Momma Ada” (who reared him) and “Papa Harrison” East, and Nola Timmons. His father Mitchell Ward, sister Annie Mae Tillmon, and his in-laws Searcy and Rosemary Bailey. He leaves to cherish his legacy and memory his adoring wife Juanita J. Ward. She was his friend, loving companion, and devoted wife for nearly 40 years. She faithfully remained by his side until death did them part. Joe Louis also leaves his children to cherish their fond memories Jermaine Ward (Tammy), Dayna Francois (Robert), Joe Ward Jr., Christopher Turner, Eric Ward (Brittney), Leroneatra “Nene” Williams (Tarik). Grandchildren Jameil, Jermaine Jr., Demond, Ashlyn, Leon, Kierra, Montre, Christian, Simone, Julius, Camron, Leah, Mariah. His mother Beulah Mae Davis, his brothers James (Jacqueline) and Andre, brother-in-law Milton, his sisters Karen Smith (James), Laura Lee Smith, and Helen Walker (James), Cynthia Dixon (Edward), Roberta Parker (Charles), sister-in-law Angela Campbell (Prentice). Special great-niece /god-daughter Jasmine Branch; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was a positive force in the life of everyone that he touched.